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gustie's lab reports 409

As the first day of class rolled around, I found myself excited
to learn more about computers. I was especially happy because computer
literacy was not a prerequisit for this class. When I reached our
classroom I was ready to listen, take notes, and learn.

As class began, I listened closely to what Dr. James had to say.
I found myself somewhat confused, but I didn't panic. As class
progressed we walked over to the computer lab in Keller Hall. This
expedition turned out to be frustrating because I didn't have my own code
to access the computer. Therefore, I worked with Trudy and Barry.

Trudy, Barry, and myself tried to logon under Barry's code. We ran
across some problems. These problems included using the wrong password and
taking too long to type in Barry's logon name. Eventually we overcame
these problems and were able to logon. We took so long trying to logon
that we had to logout as soon as we were in.

Our first assingment was to send Dr. James e-mail. Thus, I made
plans with Trudy Moore to meet at the Critique Lab in Kuykendal
Hall. We were given an account for this particular lab, which took a
while. Soon Trudy and I accesed Pine via Windows and with the help of the
attendent. I then sent my first e-mail to Dr. James. Sending e-mail
in pine was easy and very user-friendly.

Part of our next assignment was to resend e-mail, due to some
technical problem experienced with the first assignment, to Dr. James
and Kevin Bogan. I proceeded to the Critique Lab to accomplish this task.
However, the system was having problems. Thus, after waiting twenty
minites, I decided to walk over to the Lab in Keller. When I reached
Keller, I discovered that all the computers were being used. I hiked
back to the Critique Lab.

At this time I was beginning to get angry. I thought to myself, "I
don't have time for all this crap." By now the system was up and running
so I sent my e-mail to Dr. James and Kevin. I began to cool down until I
discovered that I couldn't access the CSS server from the Critique Lab,
which was part of our week two assignment. I logged out and left the
Critique Lab feeling somewhat irritated. I went home to vent off some of my
frustration and to let my head clear. I then attempted the Keller Lab to
finish my assignments at a later time.

In class we discussed how to create three files in emacs. These
files were to include our Home Page, Lab Report, and Glossary. Dr.
James explained in class that he had created dummy files under Gustie
and Kwock for the class to view. I was excited because Dr. James made my
Home Page file and I didn't have to make it. However, I had to make the
other two files by myself.

Thus, in the Keller Lab I began to create my files in Emacs. I
first made my way to the "www$" prompt. From this point, I typed,
"emacs labreport.html," to name my file. I then proceeded to type
"control x," and "control c." To save my newly created file, I typed
"Y" for yes. I also created my Glossary and my new Home Page file. I
was happy that everythig was going pretty smooth.

Part three of our assinment was to view the dummy Home Pages of
Gustie and Kwock. We were istructed to type "../../psy409/gustie.html."
This is where all my problems and frustration really began. I could not
access my Home Page and the computer froze. The screen showed,
"loading." However, none of the commands would work. I had to call the
attendent. I felt so stupid because I couldn't even explain what program
I was in because I didn't know. So she tried to unlock the computer but
nothing happened. I even confused the Lab attendent. Eventually she
turned the computer off or logged out or something but I was so upset I
went home.

Feeling like a fool, I consulted Trudy on the matter. She said that
she had encountered a similar problem but had found a solution. We
needed to type "../../psy409a/gustie.html. All this comotion over a
little "a" after 409. From this point, I was able to access my Home
Page.

I learned a valuable lesson this week. I missed one day of class
and when I returned I felt like I was in the wrong class. When I returned
to class I was so clueless as to what we were all discussing, like I was
in a foriegn language class for the first time. I assume that this week we
learned how to make links and anchors. The most important lesson I have
learned thus far is that missing class is a big no-no and that you should
attend even if you are on your death bed.

From this point on I have had negative feelings towards this class
because I feel like a stupid fool. At first I didn't even understand
what a link or an anchor was so I began to feel frustrated. As class
continued everybody discussed their problems, I could feel my
blood pressure rise. All I could think about was Graduation, was I going
to graduate with this class in my schedule. The longer I sat in class
the more irritated I got which made me want to literally cry.

Feeling dumb and stupid, I quickly contacted Diane for a crash
course in links. Diane was most helpful. I have noticed that other
classmates have been rendering aide as did Jill
for Kyle. Anyways, Diane explained that a link was a connection between
two or more files. Diane even showed me how to make a link. I began to
feel like a human again. I finally got the entire picture of what was to
be done and why. From this point I went into all three files and made
links, anchors, and began my homework. I think it is important to
note that I did take a break to fully comprehend all the new information
before attempting to actually sit down at the computer to work.

Trudy introduced me to pico which is easier than using emacs as a
word processor. The pico program displays a menu at the bottom of the
screen which makes word processing much easier and user friendly. Thus,
Trudy was of much service to me.

Finding something specific in a hypertext environment can be
somewhat tricky. To begin your journey you must know two things. First,
you must know where you are in terms of the computer program / system.
Then you must know where you want to go to.

Understanding whare you are in relation to the program / system is
important because this will determine which commands you will use. For
example, to view one of my files I just have to type in the name of the
file; gustie.html. However, if I wanted to view a class mates home page
I would have to first type in commands that take me out of my
directory; ../../, before I could move on.

It is also important to know where you want to go in a program /
system because specific information my be needed to reach that
particular destination. For example, if I wanted to send e-mail right
now to Dr. James, I would need to exit out of pico by typing "control x"
for exit and "y" for yes. Then I would need to type "pine" to enter
the program for sending e-mial. Thus it is important to know where you
are and where you want to go in a program / system when looking for
something specific in a hypertext environment.

Navigating around through course files can be fun. This is true
because it is easy. In order for me to navigate around I made links to
the Instructor's Home Page, Other Student's Home Page, and to Other
Student's Lab Report files. In turn, these people have created
links to other files which allows me to jump from one file to another.

Keeping a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) is not easy when learning
in a hypertext environment. When pessimistic feelings kick in and I
begin to feel like I hate this class and want to withdrawl, I consider
three notions; this is only a class, Dr. James is understanding, and
summer school.

When I start pulling my hair out and foaming at the mouth, I remind
myself that this is only a class and that I have conqured much greater
feats in my life time. My attitude is very similar to that of Trudy
Moore when considering the fact that this is only a class,.

Another techinique I use when I begin to feel pissimistic is to
repeatidly tell myself that Dr. James is understaning. I think about the
fact the Dr. James knows that we are novice-novices and are trying to
beat his challenge. I also tell myself that Dr. James will be
especially understanding to our class because we are his very first class
of this fully loaded hypertext class. Thus, we will work out the bugs
together.

When all else fails and I feel like breaking the computer, I repeat
the words "Summer School." These words lead me to think, what's the difference
if I graduate in May of '95 or in August of '95 it will still be
considered summer! The idea of summer school keeps me from feeling
totally pessimistic (and hating the world).

Feelings of depression do not really affect me. I keep three
notions in mind when fighting pessimistic feelings. Thus, I have not hit a
state of depression when considering PSY 409a. My life is too short to get
depressed over a class. I also fight feeling of depression because I
just say no, it is not an acceptable state when it comes to school,
boyfriend problems are another story! You just have to be strong and
take breaks when you begin to feel depressed.

The sudents in Psychology 409 in the Spring semester of '94 learned
how to use a hypertext setting from scratch. They were introduced to
programs such as "pine," "gopher," and "veronica." They learned to
assces a ton of information like government document, information on sex,
and how to send e-mail. The students seemed as though they were somewhat
cyberspace literate by the end of the semester. The majority of the
students felt proud of what they had learned. Their state of mind
during this great challenge was to be expected; depression, frustration,
confusion, and irritation. I felt like I could relate to their emothins
even though we didn't do the exact same things. I also saw that their is
light at the end of the tunnle by reading their sense of accomplishment
towards the end of the semester.

I suggest that you get an account at Keller Hall on day one of this
class or prior to the first day. Having this account right away will
allow you to log on within the first week. i suggest that you attend
every class because missing just one class can leave you completely and
thuroughly lost. While in class, take very detained notes on WHO,
HOW, WHY, WHERE, and WHEN. Good notes will help you when you enter the
lab. When in the Lab, keep notes on what's going on; Affective,
Cognitive, and Sensory Motor (ACS). To better understand the point of
this class, read the information from past generations right away. DO NOT
PROCRASTINATE, it is too hard making up work. It is also important to
ask questions right away
because this class has a building block structure and once you are stuck,
nothing else makes any sense.

Our home work assingment is to find three entries on the subject of
traffic. Thus to do so, we are forced to explor the internet. I began
my exploration by following Dr. James' links which eventually took me the
Web Crawler. In the beginning I was nervous because I din't know what to
expect, this would be my first experience in internet exploration. I
didn't want to get kicked off the system (I'm working from home) and not
be able to access uhunix for a while. This created some of my anxious
feelings. However, I was successful in my attempt at using the Web
Crawler. The first thing I searched for was "traffic" and found some
stuff, then I realized I was capable of looking for all kinds of
information. Note: This is how I found my three traffic discoveries. So, I
quickly exited out of the traffic search and began looking up all kinds of
topics; sex information, receipes, and Samoa. I found this to quite
interesting, therefore, I called my roommates over to see what I had
discovered. After approximately one hour of play, I decided to get back
to Psy 409 by creating a link to the Web Crawler. I now have the
Web Crawler on my Home Page!

The first topic I found was under San Diego Traffic Report.
This report had an index from which I chose "Real-Time Traffic Reports"
and then I narrowed it down to "California Road Conditions-Synopsis."
This was detailed report about current road information. For example,
"In the San Francisco bay area will close Barrett Ave./ in Richmond / to
San Pablo Dam Rd / in San Pablo (Contra Costa Co) from 2300 hrs on
3/15/95 to 0600 hrs on 3/16/95 -construction Detour Available." I think
it is a great idea to put such information on-line because a large number
of people can access this information which will cut down on traffic
jams. This particular report was up-to-date it containd information on
tommorws traffic situations. I enjoyed reading this report because I
think it is great source information and can serve the public in a positive
manner. For further information on traffic conditions in California, see
Trudy's report
and Jason's lab
report.

Well today is a different day and I have not had much success on the
Web Crawler. I am going to use Dr. James' old bookmark file to look for
more traffic related information so I can complete this assignment.

I hit the jack pot, I found two entries in Dr.james' old bookmark
file. The first one was found under "Traffic Watch." From here I was
able to select information on various geographical area around the
world. I chose the category, "Any Where Else." From this point, I was
able to access information on traffic conditions which were generated
from people out in the cyberspace world. I found infromation on road
conditions in Seattle, Bangkok, and North Carolina. I believe that this
method of communication is great because it allows people to check
traffic conditions in operators local area, 24 hours a day. This will
cut down on traffic jams and will save people from the frustration of
sitting in a car in traffic. For further stories with respect to
traffic information via lynx, see Barry Kowck's findings.

The third discovery, with regaurds to traffic, was also through the us
of Dr. James' old bookmark file. The file I chose to investigate was
titled,"See the USA In Your Virtual Cheverolet." Then I was able to
select the topic, "Route 66." This was a journal of a trip from Chicago
to Santa Monica, which takes you along the entire route. First, I was able
to read facts about route 66. For example, route 66 is 2,448 miles and
crosses eight states. Their is an index which allows you to select
which state you want join in on from. Another cool thing about this file
is that it is forever growing. You can send additional infromation to
make the journey more complete. This file even has pictures of various
areas around route 66 . However, I was not able to view them becaues
of the computer I was working on.

This weeks assignment includes viewing, commenting, and linking on six
Lab Report entries of fellow students. The first Victim is the lucky
Carol
Almares. Her report was about her first encounter with pine and email.
I especially liked the fact that her entry was a step-by-step account of
what to do inorder to send email. This will be especially helpful for
future generations because they can use this information to send or view
email.

The next Lab Report entry I read was that of Diane Beauchemin
when she wrote about netsacpe. In netscape Diane was able to access
information that I found to be interesting. I was somewhat enlightened
because someone actually found that was appealing to me. I felt a sense
of hope for this class, like I might begin to like it. I wanted a little
more detail so I could access these files too. i alos appreciat Diane's
sense of humor throughout all this @#$%.

Dellia
Badua's files were the next files I chose to read. In her entry she
talks about using the Web Crawler for the first time. I could especially
relate to the fact that she couldn't really find traffic related entries
but had a fun time exploring the Web. When I first got on the Web
Crawler, I started with traffic but then quicky changed my search to more
interesting topics like sex and Samoa. time went by quickly as I looked
at things I liked. from this I gained a new respect for the world wide
Web.

I also had a chance to explore the files of Ryan Higa. I had fun
in his files. I began reading an entry about music. Within this
paragraph he had made a link to hi bookmark file which allowed me to
acces the funkapolis file. This file was all about music. You can
access information on all types of bands. I am finding great pleasure
reading the files of classmates because I am finding great information.
This makes me happy and it also make me want to share my findings with
others. I think everyone should be internet literate. I am finding that
all the frustration, stress, and suffering form this class is worth it
(well maybe).

Still working on homework 7, I just viewed the entries in JasonRaad's Lab Report.
I am finding that the homework assignment for week six was the
frustration break everybody needed. This is evident in Jason's report as
well as the report of the other four students I just investigated. I
think we needed to spend some time surfing the internet. I feel that
everyone is beginning to gain some confidence now and is not so scared to
attempt various new tasks. Although I am tired, I am happy because
everyone is doing o.k..

Last but not least, is Linda Wong and her
notes about finging enough time to get all her work done. I could
totally relate to what she had to say about time. It seem like by the
time you log on, figure out what you need to do, and by the time you get
there, an hour has elapsed and you have only just begun. I often get
frustrated sitting in the one place for hours at a time, especially when
the Labs are so cold. I didn't expect this class would take up so much
of my time. However, now that I am somewhat internet literate, I will
not have to spend as much time on-line. I think I will save time by
keeping up on weekly assignmants.

This weeks aggingment was to enter the world of cyberspace via 1991 course Intergrated Online
Files. I found this concept to be very interesting. However, as was
our class discussion on this matter 5/2/95, you still need the human
face-to-face ineraction (FTF) for that feeling of warmth that we give to
oneanother as human beings. This form of communicating should not take the
place of human FTF interactions. Like I said in class, we give off a
particular orra that people pick up on, like air-waves. This humanly
characteristic is what we call chemistry when to people click or hit it
off. I enjoyed looking and reading the files on class room
situations and the structure of classes. Tehnology is great,
interesting, efficitne, and sometimes necessary but computers and
machinery cannot replace the warmth of a human being.
WEEK 10

I began reading Kuhlthau's book in the beginning of the semester
and found it very hard to read. This book contained so much detailed
information that I found it hard to follow. I was not sure which
information was important and what was trival. Thus, I put the book
down. Then one day Dr. James decides that we have to read particular
chapter and present them to the class. Overall, the few messages I got
from the book were helpful, like you will feel anxiety at first until you
fine tune a research topic. However, I do not reccomend this book
because I this class requires so much work that I never had time or the
interest to finish reading this book. Wow, after reading Beverly Diaz
sums up the book very well in the section What's it
about. She goes on into further detail in the paragraphs entitled Selection and
Formulation.

My opinion of this book is very different than that of Trudy
Moore. However, I do agree with her comments on how our calss worked
up such tension
among our class members especially Carol, the great debater. For further
information of the contence, see Ms Smith's
comments.

Chapter two was about the Constructive Theory of research and
learning. Theorist Jerome Bruner discusses three factors that help us
learn. First, their is the interpretive task. He believes that
construction involves hypothesis generation which he views as a process
of interpreting / creating. We move along in the process of construction
by suspending disbelief in order to consider possible worlds.
Interpreting involves creating. The interpretive taks of, "Going beyond
the information given," is a central concept. This mysterious capacity
to interpret and create is at the core of what it means to be human.

The next factor is interplay of thinking, feeling, and acting. The
process of construction is not a systematic, orderly procedure, but
rather it is the confusing, uncertain, threatening process. Stages of
reflective thinking and phases of construction which incorporate feelings
with thoughts and action.

The third factor addresses uniqueness and redundency. All new
information is not treated equally in the constructive process of
learning. There is a tension between the uniqueness and the redundancy
of the information encountered within a new experience. Humans have a
limited capacity for an overabundance of either the new or familiar. The
basic principle of human ability is important for understanding the
interplay of affective experience with cognition and action in the
process of construction.

NOTE: This information is taken from my notes, which may the exact
words of Kuhllthau or Bruner.
WEEK 12

This piece of work, Swedenborg
Discussion Files on Psychology & Theology, can be considered a
controvercial piece in a social context. Many people do not want to
discuss their feelings on such private and personal issues like
religion (SEE BEAUCHEMIN'S
COMMENTS. On the other hand, their are individuals who feel
stongly about their religious views ans choose to share the thoughts and
feelings on this matter. I believe that this issue is controversial.

By working my way through cyberspace I was able to locate the
needed document, which gave me practice in using logical thinking.
Because I had to log on to the internet once again, I had more
reinforcement in remembering my logon codes. I also got to read
someone's perspective on theology. Therefore, the lessons learned in
this week's exercise were usefull.

NOTE: WHEN TRYING TO GET INT DR. JAMES' WEEKLY COMMENTS I WAS
UNABLE TO ACCESS WEEK 14 SO I WENT INTO CYBERSPACE TO SEE WHAT OTHER
STUDENTS DID -I GUESS THIS IS A SIMPLE CASE OF CHEATING!

A title is a complete summary of the context of the information it
preceeds. It can help the reader decifer if they want to read the
folling information or if they want to disregard it. Creating a title
takes much effot because a title need to be interesting and logical.

The first thing I reccomend is that this class require a lab. I
would break the two and a half hour class period into two periods, one
being a lecture and one being a lab. This will help the students get
their work done in the lab because most times the labs are full or are
hosting another class.

I would make a prerequisit for this class. I would make all
students report to the first class with an uhunix account. This would
make the first day easier.

I have taken several writing intensive classes and have found that
this class requires too much work. I understood that this class required
10 hours per week worth of work but that is not the case. By the time
you logon, figure out what you want to do, and solve some minor problems,
four hours have lapsed and the assignment hasn't even been touched. When
I took the 459 class we only had an assingmnet due every two weeks, i
think this would bee good for this class.

I believe that I have come a long way in the world of cyber space.
I began this class feeling confused and hopeless. Thus, I got off to a
bad start and began to put this class off. Then I was able to comprehend
what was going on thanks to fellow classmates. I have discovered that
the world of cyberspace is endless and can be fun to view. The internet
contains so much information from all around the world. This makes
communication possibilities endless. I never thought that I would have
gotten this far. I feel like I am on top of things inturn of techonolgy
because the intenet is the newest and hotest item on the market. I have
brodened my horrisens by taking this class. I wish I had more time to
play on the internet. I also learned that I can accomplish things even
if I don't like what I'm doing. I can overcome challanges.

My home page is homely compared to other student's work. To see
the home pages of other students. I
have not had much time being that I am a graduating senior and have no
time. I wish I could have gotten into the cyberspace scene more but I
just ran out of time.

I would like to see these reports in cyberspace foreve, hwever we
know that cannot happen. I think the files shold be put on disk so they
can be stored forver. I know that I will not be looking at my files in
the near future. I also think the files should be printed out on hard
copy incas their is a world wide cyberspace virus or if the electricity
runs out.

I have spent many hours working on my school work and have learned
different lessons but I wish we didn't have so much school work so I
could have spent more time in cyberspace. I guess it was worth it
because I did learn and anytime you learn, it is worth it.